Baked Brown Sugar Pork Chops

Ingredients

- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick

- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

- 1/4 cup brown sugar

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

- Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top if available.
2. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning. Sprinkle both sides of the chops with salt and pepper to taste.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and, if using, the cayenne pepper to create the brown sugar rub.
4. Apply the brown sugar rub to each pork chop, coating them evenly on all sides. Use your hands to rub the mixture into the pork chops, ensuring they are well-covered.
5. Arrange the pork chops on the prepared wire rack, or directly on the foil-lined baking sheet if you're not using a rack.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius), which is safe for pork according to the USDA.
7. Once the pork chops are cooked through, you may switch your oven to broil for 2-3 minutes if you prefer a more caramelized crust. However, keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
8. Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your chops will be juicy and flavorful.

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